Shavuot in Australia

Many Jewish Australians observe Shavuot, which is the second of three major Jewish festivals that focus on historical and agricultural importance. The other two are Passover and Sukkot. Shavuot follows Passover by 50 days. Shavuot occurs on the sixth day of the month of Sivan in the Jewish calendar.

What Do People Do?

Many Jewish Australians celebrate Shavuot by attending social gatherings where they can enjoy a Kiddush (blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify a Jewish holiday), as well as eat dairy products such as with cheesecake or ice cream. Shavuot dinners are also held in Jewish communities in this period. Some dinners feature special guest speakers and discussion topics may focus on the history and meaning of Shavuot.

It is customary for many Jewish people to read the Book of Ruth and study the Torah (the five books of Moses) during Shavuot. Some people also take some of their annual holiday during this time of the year to refrain from work on Shavuot. Some sources say that, according to Jewish custom, no work is permitted on Shavuot except cooking, baking, transferring fire and carrying objects or equipment.

Public Life

Shavuot is not a public holiday in Australia. However, some Jewish people may take some of their annual leave around this time of the year.

Background

Shavuot is the second of three pilgrim festivals and it follows the Passover by 50 days. It is also known as the Festival of Weeks, the Feast of Weeks, or the Feast of the Harvest because it originally marked the end of the seven weeks of the Passover barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest. At one time, Jewish men were expected to bring their first omer, or sheaf, of barley to the Temple in Jerusalem as a thanksgiving offering.

After the period of Jewish slavery in Egypt, Shavuot also celebrated Moses’ return from the top of Mt Sinai with the two stone tablets containing the “Ten Commandments”. These commandments are the most fundamental laws of the Jewish faith. Therefore, Shavuot is also known as the Festival of the Giving of the Law.